updated 05:30 am EST, Tue December 3, 2013

Sails on Google barge to cost $350,000 alone

The mysterious barge construction in San Francisco could have cost Google $35 million to undertake, according to a new report. The project, dubbed Hanger 3 after the Treasure Island hanger it is being worked on, will apparently be one of three floating buildings, with a similar structure set to be moored in areas of Los Angeles and New York City, as well as in San Francisco itself.

A budget report from barge builder Turner Construction Co. obtained by SFGatestates that the barges will become a "floating retail store," and while each barge consists of 80 stacked shipping containers and accompanied by a row of sails, the sails alone will take up approximately $350,000 of the budget. Earlier rumors led to Google claiming that the barges are an "interactive space where people can learn about new technology," something that is a short stretch from a floating retail store.

The secretive nature of Google concerning the barges is still causing it problems, with a retail environment likely to put Google's permit for its plans in jeopardy. Bay Conservation and Development Commission executive Larry Goldzband advised "A floating retail store that is not a bay-oriented enterprise would probably make a lot of jaws drop at a commission meeting," and that if there is a plausible land-based alternative for the proposals, "then the commission is going to have a very difficult time convincing the public there should be something happening on the bay."